Matthew 5:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Hence He states: But if the salt has lost its savor, with what will it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden underfoot by men. If a teacher becomes timid, refraining from admonishing and correcting, what will restore their seasoning? Such a one is then removed from the honor of teaching and held in contempt. The weakening of salt signifies a decrease in its effectiveness. Therefore, He urges: Reflect on the responsibility entrusted to you, and strive not to falter in the face of trials, slander, and gossip, lest you lose your beneficial power. If the salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? You are the finest salt, and there is none other like you. Since you have been chosen for this vital role above all others, you ought to be especially vigilant to avoid being accused of frailty and inaction, as well as the ruin of those who have succumbed to decay. Nothing else equals the salt that has lost its effectiveness; it is cast out from the Lord's presence and looked down upon by others. There are, therefore, two responsibilities assigned to you—to be salt and light; first to remain untainted and then to be instructed.

However, when a soul turns to God, embraces faith, and yearns for the life-giving salt of the benevolent Spirit, this heavenly essence eradicates the foul spirits within, dispels the noxious scent, and cleanses the soul through its transformative power. Consequently, once the true salt has restored the soul to health, it is fit once more for the service of the divine Master. To signify this truth, the Law directed that all sacrifices be seasoned with salt (Lev. 2:13). The discourse continues with an allegorical interpretation of the vision given to the Prophet Ezekiel.

What then should we call the souls of humanity if not the nourishment of the Lord, created to be united with His body—that is, to contribute to the growth of His Eternal Church? We are meant to be the seasoning for this divine feast. As aforementioned, the preachers are commissioned, “Ye are the salt of the earth." Therefore, if the people constitute God’s nourishment, then it is the priests who must provide the flavor for that nourishment. However, when we neglect holy preaching and teaching, our saltiness diminishes, rendering us ineffective in seasoning God’s food. Consequently, that which is not saved due to our negligence cannot be accepted by the Host. Let us reflect on those who have repented due to our words, who have amended their conduct through our admonitions, who have abandoned worldly pleasures at our guidance, who have renounced greed and pride. What good have we done for God? After receiving our divine calling, what have we accomplished? He states, “I will buy the work, till I come” (Luke 19:13). Look, He is already on His way; He demands the fruits of our labor. What will we present Him as the fruit of our efforts? How many souls shall we offer to Him as a result of our preaching? Let us envision that fearsome day when the Judge will arrive to reconcile accounts with His servants to whom He entrusted talents. He will reveal Himself in glorious majesty surrounded by angelic hosts. At this grand judgment, both the righteous and the unrighteous will stand before Him, each to declare their deeds. There, Peter will present converted Judea; Paul, with his followers from all nations; Andrew, John, and Thomas will likewise lead their flocks to their King—each representing Achaia, Asia, and India respectively. All who belong to the Lord's flock shall stand before Him, presenting the souls they nurtured through their sacred sermons. In that moment, what can we say of ourselves, those of us who, having served, return to our Lord empty-handed, bearing the title of shepherd without the flock we were to have cultivated? Here we are named shepherds, yet we present no flock. Is it not true that when we are negligent, even the Almighty may forsake His sheep? Certainly not, for He Himself tends to them, just as He promised through the Prophet (Ezekiel 34)—He guides all who are destined for life with gentle admonitions and a spirit of humility. Though it is through us that believers attain holy renewal, are blessed by our intercessions, and receive the Holy Spirit through our ordained hands, they ascend to the kingdom of heaven, whereas we spiral downward due to our shortcomings. The elect, cleansed by the priests' hands, enter their heavenly homeland while the priests, by their sinful existence, rush toward hell's judgment. How shall we compare the unworthy priests if not to baptismal waters that cleanse the baptized and lead them to the Kingdom of Heaven, only to flow into polluted places afterwards? Let us be wary, brethren; let our ministry reflect our mission. Let us daily seek forgiveness for our sins so that our lives are not mired in sin, even as God continually absolves others through us. Let us constantly evaluate ourselves, our responsibilities, and the burden we carry. Daily, we must hold ourselves accountable in preparation for the assessment from our Judge. While caring for ourselves, we must not neglect our duty to others, ensuring that every person who associates with us is influenced by the saltiness of our words. When we encounter someone idle and beguiled, we should encourage them to channel their passions appropriately so they may learn to overcome the forbidden. When addressing a married man, we ought to guide him to navigate his worldly obligations without forsaking his devotion to God and to honor his wife without compromising what pleases the Creator. When we see a clergyman, we should urge him to lead a life that sets a positive example for the laity, to ensure that no shortcomings in his character undermine our Faith. When we encounter a monk, we must inspire him to maintain a respectful demeanor in every action and thought, to abandon worldly distractions and present himself to God as his title demands. For those already holy, let us encourage their growth in holiness; for those who remain unholy, let us guide their transformation, that each one who communes with the priest may be enriched by the salt of his message. Contemplate this, dear brethren, and instill it among your neighbors; prepare to offer fruitful service in the glory of Almighty God.

Salt is one of the most essential substances in creation, vital for the survival of every living being, whether animal or plant. Without it, even the most exquisite meals become unappetizing and harmful. St. Chrysostom highlights that the primary function of salt is to prevent decay and to restore life that has already begun to rot. This mirrors the condition of human nature when left to its own devices; it deteriorates, and the corrosive nature of sin would lead to eternal separation from God, were it not for the intervention of the life-giving Word of God the Father, Jesus Christ our Lord, who revitalizes humanity through His powerful and sacrificial death on the cross.

As ministers of God's Word, the apostles are designated as the salt of the earth; they are tasked with imparting this salt to the sinful souls of humanity by sharing the truth of God's Word, guiding them toward genuine faith, and sustaining them in spiritual vitality by shielding them from the debilitating effects of sin. This underscores the critical nature of their vocation.

In light of this responsibility, the Savior commands them to maintain their own holiness and to proclaim the truth boldly. He cautions, "If the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?" It becomes worthless, fit only to be cast out and trampled underfoot by men. When an unsanctioned individual strays from the path of truth and sins, they still have a guide to restore them, and their transgressions can be forgiven upon repentance. However, if a teacher of the truth descends into such folly, either out of fear of persecution or personal gain, and distorts God's Word to appease human passions, who will redirect them? What purpose will they serve? God will withdraw His grace from such an unfaithful servant. Meanwhile, the very souls they seek to appease will look upon them with rightful disdain, while true and unyielding righteousness commands respect even amidst the most sinful adversaries.

Salt preserves food from decay; thus, you are to protect humanity from the decay of sin through my redemptive teachings, your prayers, and the witness of your holy lives. However, if you become flawed and succumb to error, you risk leading others astray. IF SALT LOSES ITS TASTE, HOW CAN IT BE SALT? If a teacher abandons wisdom, fails to instruct, admonish, and guide, and becomes complacent, what remedy is there for such negligence? It is rendered useless, only fit to be discarded for others to walk upon. Similarly, an unworthy instructor should be stripped of the privilege to teach and regarded with contempt. If you, My disciples, were to lose My grace, what could then revitalize you? What would empower you to effectuate the renewal of the world? You will endure scorn, but this is expected. Salt is not palatable to those who prefer sweetness, and thus, you may not be embraced by those who cherish sin; they will pursue you with hostility, but do not fear: they cannot truly harm you. Should you allow the fear of slander to sway you from the necessary strength, you will be held in derision, which constitutes being trampled underfoot. Although salt can have a sharp, strong flavor, it is welcomed as an ingredient in food; similarly, your steadfastness and patience should amaze your adversaries, the Gentiles, and through this, they will come to recognize My truth. What is this extraordinary strength that designates the disciples of Christ as the salt of the earth? It is the grace of the Holy Spirit residing in the pure soul of the believer. This grace also renders them the light of the world.

If Jesus suggested that they, too, should exhibit humility and grieve for their sins, they would doubt His identity as the Messiah. This sentiment was prevalent among the scribes and Pharisees listening to Him, as well as many Jews influenced by their erroneous views. However, Christ was not addressing them directly. The twelve apostles, recently chosen, stood before Him—humble laborers, uneducated and impoverished, speaking a little-known tongue; these fishermen and tax collectors were tasked with spreading His message throughout the world and bringing it under His dominion. He articulated to them the traits they must embody to not only enter the heavenly kingdom but also guide others there, outlining the trials they would encounter and the steadfastness needed to overcome opposition, endure persecution, and prevail against the forces of darkness. Aware that such unwavering strength could not originate from their own abilities, and recognizing that the prospect of impending persecution might sow doubt in their hearts, Christ presented His teachings of the Beatitudes systematically. He conveyed that the humble (poor in spirit) will mourn for their sins; those who mourn will become meek, thirst for righteousness, and show mercy; the merciful will possess a pure heart and promote peace. Attaining these qualities would ensure they would not be fearful of slander, persecution, or suffering; they would be distinguished as the finest and most virtuous of people, set apart from others like salt is different from the earth. The essence of Jesus’ message can be summarized as follows: "If you fulfill all My commandments that I have just shared, you will not fear persecution. You will be like the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13); your spirit will be so empowered that nothing can hinder the spread of My teaching; all human malice and affliction will be powerless against the strength of your resolute spirit. Conversely, if you stray from My commandments, you will forfeit this power. In losing it, you will cease to be effective in My salvific mission, akin to salt that has lost its flavor and is rendered worthless; you will not only face persecution but also be disregarded as those who have faltered in truth, becoming like salt that has lost its essence, discarded for others to walk upon."

If the salt were to lose its savor, it becomes ineffective; although this scenario seems far-fetched, the Lord hypothetically posits it for consideration. Travelers report that in certain regions, there exists salt that can entirely lose its potency, rendering it useless and fit only to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. One traveler noted near Aleppo that he discovered such salt exposed to rain, sun, and air; although it appeared glittery, it had completely lost its flavor. Nevertheless, its internal components remained potent.

The figurative implication in Christ's statement is clear: if you, my disciples and teachers of all nations, were to lose your inner moral fortitude and influence in the world, what could restore that power and impact? There would be nothing. Without the ability to rejuvenate the world and protect it from further corruption, you would be powerless. What could then uplift you or enable you to renew the world? Without such capabilities, you too would become like tasteless salt, cast out and trampled. Particularly for a teacher, should he abandon his duty by failing to instruct, reprove, and guide, he would find himself devoid of purpose and deserving of contempt.